Research Technician Associate

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The Shapiro Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology develops molecular and cellular technologies to enable non-invasive imaging and control of biological processes. We are seeking a Research Technician Associate to join our team and help us accomplish this research mission. The successful candidate will assist with laboratory operations and contribute to experiments involving molecular and cellular engineering. The Research Technician Associate will be an integral member of the laboratory alongside the lab manager, other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. As part of their research project contributions, they may be awarded co-authorship on scientific publications.

Additional information about the Shapiro group can be found athttp://shapirolab.caltech.edu.

15%: Preparing, assaying, and distributing key research reagents for Shapiro lab and collaborators, such as:

• Expression and purification of gas vesicle proteins for ultrasound research.
• Coordinating with external institutions and internal administration for the transfer of materials on a collaborative and contract basis.
• Managing requests while keeping accurate records of shipments and production batches.
• Preparation of transformation-competent bacteria for molecular cloning.

35%: Creating a pipeline for improved high-purity gas vesicle production, such as:

• Developing methods for scaled-up production and quality control of gas vesicles for translational research (including to informal cGMP standards).
• Establishing a pipeline for endotoxin screening and removal in gas vesicle samples.
• Developing analytical methods to assess gas vesicle quality and purity, and quality control.

25%: Assisting with research-related laboratory operations, such as:

• Organizing, restocking/ordering, or preparing the laboratory's biological consumables and reagents.
• Organizing the maintenance of major laboratory equipment.
• Organizing and outfitting new lab spaces with the proper equipment and consumables to ensure the space is fit for research purposes.
• Completing protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Participating in lab cleanups and waste disposal.
• Training laboratory personnel in wet lab techniques and the operation of laboratory machines.

25%: Assisting with one or more research projects involving techniques such as:

• Molecular biology (DNA cloning).
• Bacterial and mammalian cell culture.
• Preclinical in vivo disease models.
• Flow cytometry
• Biochemical methods, such as protein purification and electrophoresis.
• Fluorescence microscopy.
• Ultrasound imaging.
• Histology.
• Data processing.

The percentages are approximate and may change based on laboratory needs. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of laboratory experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and/or animal models.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Adaptability and interest in taking on a variety of tasks and challenges.

• Resume